PFAS Contamination in Latest Mexico: New Dashboard Reveals Elevated Levels in 15 Water Systems
A new dashboard published by the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Emerging Contaminants Program reveals that 15 water systems in New Mexico, serving nearly 4,500 people, have tested above federal drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” pose significant health risks to humans.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. According to NMED Deputy Division Director Kelsey Rader, they are “commonly found in a number of household products and products used all over… throughout our lives” and are associated with health impacts including immune system issues, fertility problems, and certain cancers. KRQE
Sampling Efforts and Findings
Since 2024, the NMED Emerging Contaminants Program has sampled 523 New Mexico public water systems for PFAS. Testing has also been conducted on private wells. While most systems tested have safe PFAS levels, the following water systems showed elevated levels:
| Water System Name | City/County | Ownership | Number of People Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Administration Health Care System New Mexico | Albuquerque/ Bernalillo | Federal government | 2,000 |
| Joy Junction | Albuquerque/ Bernalillo | Private | 150 |
| La Mesa Villa Mobile Home Park | Albuquerque/ Bernalillo | Private | 90 |
| Alto Mountain Village | Alto/Lincoln | Private | 343 |
| Cañones MDWC | Cañones/Rio Arriba | Local government | 150 |
| Greater Glorieta Regional MDC | Glorieta/Santa Fe Co. | Local government | 153 |
| Biad Chili Ltd Co | Mesilla Park/Doña Ana | Private | 25 |
| Children’s Garden Montessori School | Santa Fe | Private | 60 |
| La Bajada MDWC | Santa Fe | Local government | 40 |
| National Solar Observatory | Sunspot/Otero | Federal government | 26 |
| La Cueva MDWC | Pecos/San Miguel | Local government | 48 |
| Placitas Elementary School | Placitas/Sandoval | Local government | 185 |
| Tierra Amarilla MDWC | Tierra Amarilla/Rio Arriba | Local government | 470 |
| Leisure Mountain Mobile Home Park | Tijeras/Bernalillo | Private | 161 |
| Village of Tijeras | Tijeras/Bernalillo | Local government | 541 |
Remediation and Funding
NMED is working with the managers of the affected water systems to remediate the contamination. Rader stated that these systems will be eligible for federal funding to remove PFAS and update filtration systems to ensure safe drinking water levels. KRQE
Ongoing Monitoring and Regulation
NMED plans to monitor water systems twice a year to prevent future PFAS elevations. The state is also addressing PFAS contamination through the PFAS Protection Act (HB212), passed in 2025, which phases out consumer products with intentionally added PFAS. Bans on products like cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam began January 1, 2027, with further restrictions planned through 2032. NMED
The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) is currently holding hearings on proposed rules that would ban certain PFAS-containing products and require labeling. Public comment is encouraged through March 6. A rule addressing the use of aqueous film-forming foam (firefighting foam) is under consideration, with public hearings expected to begin April 13.
PFAS and Military Bases
Historically, elevated PFAS levels have been found near military bases due to the use of aqueous film-forming foam. However, the recent findings indicate PFAS contamination is now appearing in communities not near military installations, suggesting a broader source of contamination from consumer goods. KRQE
For more information on PFAS in New Mexico, visit the NMED PFAS website. If you have a private well, you can have it tested at a certified lab.
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